VERY
RARE EARLY SPODE BLUE AND WHITE PEARLWARE COFFEE CUP THE TWO
FIGURES I PATTERN C.1785-90

"One
of the rarest and earliest of the Spode transferware patterns Two
Figures I on an important reference example of Staffordshire
pottery. Surviving early pearlware teawares are few and much rarer than
the more durable porcelain examples. This fluted coffee cup shape can
be dated to c.1785-95 and is similar to that found on Caughley
porcelain. The flattened double kick handle, like an old hair grip - is
most unusual - perhaps unique to early Spode. The Two Figures pattern
design is one of the patterns referred to by Simeon Shaw, in his
"History of the Staffordshire Potteries" 1829, as among the first
engraved and blue printed patterns on Staffordshire Spode. Shaw dates
experimentation and first production to c.1783-84."Antiques Expert Hamilton Bear.

References:
See Spode's Willow Pattern & other designs
after the Chinese,Robert
Copeland pg. 67 plate 1, for the original Chinese
pattern of Two Figures I. Also pg. 69 plate 5 for a stand in Two
Figures I pattern. Compare with the 'standard' version Two Figures II
pg. 69 plate 7. Two Figures II is the reworked and more common version
but still rare. Two Figures I, when found, is stylistically much closer
to the original Chinese prototype. Engraving is quite basic but very
effective with the use of strong graphic lines.

Dimensions:
width 250 mm max.

Marks:
one of the earliest Spode workman's marks as illustrated.

Condition:
Very good and an excellent display item. Condition
report: No staining, chips or restoration. Three tight short
hairlines extend from the rim of the cup. Hairlines are clear/faint on
the outside - difficult to spot. They can just be seen on the cup
interior extending below the printed band. Piece remains very stable
and durable.

Please
study all images carefully forming part of this description before you
buy ...